Petition for Greek Life to be recognized by the University of Mary Washington

Unfortunately the Greek system at the University of Mary Washington is unestablished on campus and is inevitably unrecognized. We believe that the addition of a Greek system at our Mary Washington would benefit the school in various ways; providing opportunities to students that can not be created by regular school organizations. A large amount of public universities and colleges in the Commonwealth of Virginia support a Greek system, their systems have greatly enhanced their student’s experience. We believe that as a public university in Virginia we should have an equal opportunity to be apart of such student ran organizations.

Being a part of a Greek organization helps build leadership skills necessary in the professional world that can not be acquired solely through earning a four year degree. Most students in a Greek organization will be incorporated in an executive or membership role for the entire organization during their time as a member. These leadership opportunities provides members with experience in the role of conducting an organization of people with a common interest, similar to that of a business. The Mary Washington campus itself will have another outlet opportunity for students to participate in apart of something bigger than themselves and regular students will have the convenience of frequent on campus activities. Not only does the approval of Greek organizations help the university in the short term, but over time present and past alumni will take notice of the tremendous progress inevitably extending their aid to keep the establishment afloat.

The establishment and recognition of a Greek organization would be deemed as another incentive for not only students, but the Fredericksburg community as well due to the amount of community service and philanthropy events that are also included. These community events and services are perceived as involvement through volunteer service at local service organizations, fundraisers for local organizations, food/household item drives for local and abroad organizations.

When applying for jobs several employers value the participation of a Greek organization. In just one week the Virginia Tech chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, with the help of other Greek organizations raised a collective amount of $150,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. That is just one of the many community involvement actions they participate in throughout the year, that help improve not only their university, but the community as well. That same method or fundraising could easily be reciprocated here on the campus of Mary Washington to help assist the local community as well. Those same proceeds and earnings could be used to help develop and advance the area as a whole. As a student at the University of Mary Washington me and other interested members believe that being a part of a Greek organization should be a opportunity that should be provided to all students.

Thank you for your time and consideration, please help spread the word in an attempt to improve the University of Mary Washington forever!